How long does unemployment determination take - NYS Department of Labor adjudication timeline?
Filed my UI claim about 5 weeks ago and it's been stuck in 'determination pending' status this whole time. My account shows no issues that need attention from me, but I haven't received any payments yet. Called the NYS Department of Labor multiple times but can't get through to anyone. Is this normal? How long does unemployment determination usually take in NY? I'm getting really stressed about my bills piling up.
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Adrian Hughes
Unfortunately determination times can vary a lot depending on your specific situation. Simple claims might get determined in 2-3 weeks, but if there are any complications (like separation issues, wage disputes, or ID verification needs) it can take 6-8 weeks or even longer. The NYS Department of Labor is still dealing with backlogs from increased claim volume. Have you checked if there's anything in your 'Correspondence' section on the portal?
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Lara Woods
•I've checked everywhere in my account - correspondence, issues, everything. It's all blank except for the determination pending message. This is so frustrating.
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Molly Chambers
I had the exact same issue last year - claim stuck for 7 weeks with no explanation. Turns out there was an employer dispute that I never knew about because they never sent me anything about it. Finally got through to someone at NYS Department of Labor who told me what was happening. The determination came through 2 days after I spoke to them. Sometimes these things just need a human to look at them.
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Lara Woods
•How did you finally get through to someone? I've tried calling during different times of day but always get the busy signal or get disconnected.
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Molly Chambers
•Honestly I got lucky after like 50+ tries. But recently I found out about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents. They have this demo video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Basically they handle the calling process for you so you don't have to sit there hitting redial all day.
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Ian Armstrong
OMG 5 weeks?? That's insane! I'm at 3 weeks determination pending and already panicking. Did you do anything wrong when you filed? I keep worrying I messed something up on my application and that's why it's taking forever. What if they deny it after all this waiting??
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Adrian Hughes
•Being in determination doesn't mean you did anything wrong - it's often just routine verification. The NYS Department of Labor has to check employment history, wages, and separation reason for every claim. Don't panic yet!
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Eli Butler
The whole system is broken honestly. Been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for years and it just gets worse. They take forever to make determinations then if you appeal it takes another 2 months for a hearing. Meanwhile people can't pay rent or buy groceries. It's ridiculous.
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Marcus Patterson
•Same experience here. My determination took 9 weeks last time and then they initially denied it! Had to appeal and wait another 6 weeks for the hearing. Thankfully won the appeal but lost 3+ months of benefits during the process.
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Lydia Bailey
Keep filing your weekly claims even while determination is pending - that's important! Once your claim gets approved you'll get back pay for all the weeks you were eligible. Also make sure you're doing your job search activities and keeping records in case they ask for them later.
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Amina Toure
•This is really important advice! I've been continuing to file my weekly claims but wasn't sure if I was supposed to. Good to know about the back pay - that gives me some hope. I have been keeping track of my job searches just in case. Thanks for the reassurance that I'm doing the right things while waiting.
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